Golding Pearl #3

I have an opportunity to purchase a Golding Pearl No.3…Let me start by saying that I have NEVER touched a letterpress before so I may be in over my head….

The seller is asking $800 but this also includes a ton of type. The only issue is that , it is missing:
- Feed table brackets
- Drawers (not really and issue for me)
- Rollers (of course)
- Roller Assembly
- piece to connect the roller assembly to the ring gear
- Roller hooks and springs

The seller tells me that I can roll on the ink by hand using a brayer - but I know I would definitely want the roller assembly

If I were to get this machine…how difficult would it be to install all the missing parts (given that I would be learning as I go) From what I understand I am probably looking at putting in an additional $600 for the parts -

what are your thoughts on this?…..

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I too am looking for a couple pieces for a Golding Pearl #11 (7x11) to replace some old/broken parts. Pearl parts are not easy to come-by :)

So, even if you do buy this Pearl#3 it may be sometime before you could actually use it.

Also, new rollers and cores may cost you up to $400 or $500.

Perhaps the asking price of $800 is too expensive…

Parakh:

I’d have to agree that the price seems steep for a press in such condition. I would wait and look for one more complete. Prices of small presses seem to be on the rise, but you should be able to find a more serviceable press for less than the $1400.00 you plan to invest. It is always good to see a press run and maybe get some instruction on the press by the former owner as well, none of which would appear to be forthcoming with this deal.

If you do decide to go for this one, I would make certain that the parts you need are readily available at a price you can afford.

Missing roller arms (if that’s what you mean) are a serious missing part and would give me pause to pay $800 for any press. While the Pearl #3 OS is a light and portable press, I didn’t think they were getting near as pricey as tabletops. Of course I bought mine years ago for far less (no drawers as well). For what is missing, I would think the press is only worth a couple hundred dollars (rollers will cost you $150, roller arms probably $200 for the set, additional parts another $100+.

Mike Anton (goldingguru) in St. Louis is considered the man who can source parts for these machines. It would be worth asking him what replacement parts cost and what the press is worth.

Personally, I would continue looking for a different Pearl or the heavier and bulker 7x11 or 8x12 C&P.

Oh wow! Much thanks for everyone’s response and setting me in the right direction. Everyone has been so helpful and forthcoming with information! I will take the advice and contact Mike Anton (my seller had recommended the same)

Also, if y’ll don’t mind: Am I right to assume that a Golding would be better than a C&P 7x11 or 8x12

Or if I went for a smaller press: a Pilot would be better than a Kesley

Thanks much!
-Parakh

C&P’s are more common than pearls or Goldings, i think if you are going for a floor model press get a 10x15 c&p, you can always print smaller on a big press but you can’t print bigger on a small press. Good Luck Dick G.

In addition to the Golding Guru (Mike Anton), if you are on the East Coast you might try contacting John Falstrom. He is on Briar Press also, and often has parts-pieces for Goldings.

http://www.briarpress.org/user/24141

Isn’t John Falstrom the Golden Guru in training? John knows lots about goldings, his presses are beautiful, dick g.

Just wanted to offer an update: The seller realized that he was WAY over pricing the press and gave me a considerably lower price for it…so I bought it and now I know I have a project ahead of me! I am working with Mike on getting replacement parts….Really, Thanks so much to all for the advice! I am sure I’ll be back with more questions!

hey, I was wondering what would be a reasonable price tag for a golding pearl #3 letterpress and a golding pearl #5 letterpress with all parts intact. also what is the cost of ink to use them, i am reasearching so that a meuseum can start using our letterpressing in live history exibits.